About RBI

Our Survivor-led organization is leading the fight against human trafficking by equipping leaders and elevating survivors.

We equip law enforcement, community leaders, professionals, and families to identify and properly resource those affected by trafficking. We also operate the world's largest online school for human trafficking survivors. We offer courses focusing on professional development and economic empowerment at no cost to our students.

1,632

survivors served

717

us cities reached

120,000

professionals trained

3600+

of free education in 2022

Our Story

In 2014 our founder Rebecca Bender wanted to become the mentor she always needed.

“Leaving my trafficker was terrifying but rebuilding my life felt impossible.” So while getting her master's degree remotely, she decided that she could mentor other trafficking survivors online too.

The Rebecca Bender Initiative began with five students on zoom and a focused purpose. Today RBI operates Elevate Academy, the world's largest online school for survivors of trafficking while being one of the country's leaders in Trafficking awareness and education. Rebecca personally trains over one hundred thousand law enforcement leaders, and community members a year to properly identify and resource survivors.

Our programs

 Elevate Academy

Elevate Academy is an online school that teaches professional development and economic empowerment to survivors of human trafficking. We offer incoming students a 12-week program, during which time they complete 3 courses (two core courses and one elective) to graduate. Each course is facilitated by a survivor leader, and online weekly cohorts are offered to discuss homework.

Equipping Leaders

We train law enforcement, community leaders, professionals, and families so they can fight trafficking in their own neighborhoods.

We also tell stories to elevate the voices of survivors. Through podcasts, YouTube channels, eCourses, and documentaries we ensure the world hears and understands what people with lived experience have to say. Through our EQUIP program’s specialized training, we have equipped well over 118,000 professionals including FBI, Homeland Security, regional law enforcement, community leaders, and service providers.

Contact RBI

info@rebeccabender.org
P.O. Box 208
Desoto, TX 75123

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